Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction in September 2024, and for many homeowners, the aftermath meant dealing with significant property damage. While Duncan’s Creative Kitchens typically serves the Manatee County area, a recent storm damage kitchen restoration in Dunedin, Florida, showcases our commitment to going the extra mile. This isn’t a story about replacing cabinets. It’s about restoring a home and the peace of mind that comes with it.
The Challenge of a Flood-Damaged Kitchen
The homeowners in Dunedin faced a daunting task: their beautiful kitchen, featuring StarMark Cabinetry, had been inundated with several feet of water. Their original remodeler was no longer in business, leaving them in a difficult situation. Fortunately, StarMark Cabinetry’s excellent customer service stepped in. They recommended Duncan’s Creative Kitchens as the closest dealer capable of assisting, despite the hour-and-a-half drive.
Overcoming Design and Finish Hurdles
Our first hurdle was recreating the kitchen’s original floor plan. The homeowners had only a partial set of drawings, making a full recreation challenging. Thankfully, a critical piece of information came to the rescue: the original StarMark order number. StarMark places this information on a sticker on the back of every drawer box. This allowed us to obtain a complete list of all original kitchen parts. Coupled with a meticulous site visit for accurate measurements, we were able to precisely recreate the layout. This ensured the salvaged granite countertops, backsplash, and floor tile would fit perfectly with the new cabinetry.
The second obstacle was a discontinued cabinet finish. The storm damage was limited to the base cabinets so any replacements had to match the existing uppers. Here, StarMark’s color match program proved invaluable. We sent an undamaged cabinet door to the plant for an exact finish match. This process takes a few weeks and includes a custom sample for approval. Our dedication to this storm damage kitchen restoration meant we’d find a solution!
A Commitment to Quality, Even with Delays
Just before the scheduled ship date, we encountered a third, unexpected hurdle. StarMark, in their dedication to quality, delayed the shipment. They were not satisfied with how the custom finish looked on the new cabinetry and chose to re-manufacture the cabinet doors. While this meant a two-week delay for the homeowners, they understood and appreciated the commitment to perfection. They preferred a flawless product over a rushed, compromised one.
Once the new cabinetry arrived, the restoration company efficiently installed it. The reinstallation of the granite countertops and new appliances went smoothly, bringing the kitchen back to life. The homeowners’ delight was clear: “Scott, it all turned out fantastic! Love it! Our sincerest thanks to you!” This project truly highlights the resilience of homeowners and our dedication to delivering exceptional results, no matter the challenges.
Hurricane season eventually impacts us all. If you’re looking for help with a storm damage kitchen restoration in Manatee County or the surrounding areas, contact us today!
Ready to see how we can transform your space? Explore our Cabinetry Options or learn more about The Kitchen Remodeling Process. You can also browse our Gallery of Kitchens or Bathrooms for more inspiration.
Scott Duncan
Scott Duncan is a licensed interior designer with over 30 years of experience in kitchen and bath remodeling, as well as the owner of Duncan's Creative Kitchens.